The Beauty Counter: Answers to your beauty questions

__Q: Does makeup expire?__

__A:__ This question is by far one of the most common questions I receive from my clients. There is no worse feeling (or at least for me) than buying a product only to find out that its shelf life is about as long as a carton of milk. So with that in mind, I wanted to focus solely on the care and expiration of your makeup so it can last as long as possible.

Anne Hudson

Makeup is and can be an investment. Sure, you can spend as little as a few dollars on a tube of lipstick, but you can also feel like you have to take out a second mortgage for a good face cream. Whatever price you pay, I think one thing rings true with all consumers: For what you pay, you want to get as much use out of that product as possible. I have compiled a list of all the major products and their approximate expiration time.

I'll begin with powder-based products such as blushes, face powders and eye shadows. These items can typically last up to three years (two years is generally where I draw the line). Powders tend to run the lowest risk of collecting dirt and bacteria, so they can be used for a longer period of time. However, after about 36 months, you might want to start considering replacing them for new ones, as the color payoff may not be as strong (and the fact that when you purchased your electric blue eyeshadow with flecks of glitter back in 1985, it may just not have the same appeal today as it did back then).

Liquid and cream-based makeup (i.e. foundations, moisturizers, lipsticks, concealers, cream eyeshadows and blushes) can have a shelf life anywhere from 12 to 18 months. Securing the lid on these products, of course, will help keep them from drying out. (Note: any oil-based foundation will need to be shaken if not used frequently.)

For products such as lip and eyeliners, you can safely use these for up to 24 months. To ensure their longevity, as well as best color payoff, sharpen them regularly before each use.

Mascara has the shortest shelf life of all the cosmetics products. You can safely use this item anywhere between four and six months. If you want to ensure you get the most use out of this product, don't pump the wand in and out of the tube (even though it is our natural inclination to pump mascara like we're trying to air up a bicycle tire). By pumping the wand, you trap air inside the tube of mascara, thereby drying it out.

Your brushes and sponges need the most care. You should clean sponges after every single use to avoid risk of bacteria, and then dispose of them every two or three months. Your brushes can last you for years if you clean them regularly. I suggest using a makeup cleaner for daily use, and a more thorough cleanse using a baby soap or a mild/organic soap -- one that doesn't contain any harsh chemicals, dyes or fragrances -- at least twice a week.

For a light cleansing, just apply the brush cleaner to the bristles and swipe back and forth on a paper towel until the excess makeup is removed. Allow the brush to dry completely before use.

For a deeper cleanse, wash your brushes with warm water and a very mild soap and rub the bristles against the palm of your hand. Rinse the bristles thoroughly and allow to dry with the bristles facing downward, which will keep excess water from falling back into the brush, where it can lead to bacteria buildup.

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About Anne

Anne Hudson is a self-taught makeup artist in Cape Girardeau. Send your beauty questions for Anne to rgautschy@semissourian.com.